There are VERY FEW Gun Company's left that produce quality the way we use to know it! S&W is certainly no exception and has (IMO) more than its share of QC issues!

The causes are complex, but IMO here are some major reasons:

*The Company has fallen prey to PC-ness.
*S&W has neglected the investment to PROPERLY train their "Gun-smiths".
*The work force pool lacks commitment to an employer.
*Final Inspection is horrific!
S&W is more concerned about $$ than quality. They would rather ship junk out the door and deal with it later than take the time trouble and effort to get it right the first time. It almost seems that PC guns are worse than their regular line! SAD!
*last but not least I blame the Company's CEO, President and Board of Directors for their dismal QC!!! At the end of the day - they are responsible!

I own more S&W's than any other brand - HOWEVER they are ALL vintage! UNFORTUNATELY (not bashing - just stating facts as I see them) they make nothing I'd actually spend my money on now. Apparently they now have a different Company model now-days.